Speakers said creating balance in the policy and programmes focusing on nutrition is a priority now as the quality of nutrition services in urban areas is much lower than in rural areas.
They said in a round table discussion "Rapid Urbanization Effects on Nutrition Transition; Challenges and Possible Solutions for Proper Nutrition Services Coverage" held at Dnet premises.
The round table discussion with nutrition experts from government, non-government organizations, development partners and academia was organized by Dnet with technical support from Nutrition International.
Co-Founder Executive Director of Dnet M Shahadat Hossain gave the welcome speech while Country Director of GAIN Bangladesh Rudaba Khandkar shared opening remarks.
DNET co-founder Shahadat Hossain said “Studies suggest that by 2050 there will be 2.5 billion more people living in cities in Africa and Asia. Bangladesh is witnessing rapid urbanization and faces nutritional challenges due to this.
"Thus, we must address the nutrition transition and understand the dynamics of urbanization and nutrition. Today’s discussion, hopefully, will shed light on the challenges and possible solutions for nutrition service coverage due to urbanization in Bangladesh,” he also said.
Country Director of Gain Bangladesh said people frequently ignore the push forces in our discussions in favor of focusing primarily on the urbanization-centric pull factors.
She said more young people should be engaged in nutrition awareness campaigns.
Country Director of Nutrition International Dr. Saika Siraj said the level of malnutrition in society has not changed, especially in urban areas, despite a decline in undernutrition and an increase in overnutrition over time.
Food Safety Officer of Bangladesh Food Safety Authority Rowshan Ara Begum mentioned both the public and commercial sectors should place equal emphasis on improving productivity and ensuring food safety. Because food corporations utilize toxic chemicals in a wide range of food products for low profit.
"It is important to consider the future and what will occur fifty years from now. Processed food consumption is more common among urban residents. There are no processed foods that are healthy according to study," Professor of University of Dhaka Dr. Nazma Shaheen said.
She also said food safety is the only way to guarantee nourishment.
Deputy director of National Nutrition Council Dr. Nusrat Jahan said, "We are considering adding extra daycare facilities to the office building.
She emphasized the importance of the environment for mothers and children, saying that daycare facilities and schoolyards should both be required to provide the best working and physically healthy environments for the kids.
Scientist of ICDDRB Dr. Sabrina Rashid pointed out that physical education and activities are sometimes constrained to text books in the form of theory.
Programme director of Care Bangladesh Dr. Ikhtiar Uddin Khandakar emphasized the importance of working with the development sector as a whole community of development partners to address some common issues, including developing opportunities and opportunities in rural areas, advocating for raising awareness among parents and on the demand side in urban areas, and bringing out the best multisectoral digital solutions through research that involves government regulatory bodies.
Programme policy officer ( Nutrition) Sameul Nawaz placed emphasis on the development of a multi-sectoral and nutritionally sensitive food framework, which must integrate the supply chain, food environment, and consumer behavior in order to attain the SDG and a healthy, sustainable diet.
Factors that contribute to nutrient transfer and how nutrient transfer affects our daily lives, impact of nutrient transfer among different urban populations, impact of food adulteration and consequent nutrient transfer, nutritional deficiency and various health issues caused by urbanization in Bangladesh are also discussed.
The experts discussed nutrition services and its outcomes in urban areas and also discussed various challenges, possible solutions and policies to improve the situation in support of nutrition services in urban areas.
Country Director of Nutrition International Saiqa Siraj delivered the keynote speech on Urban Nutrition while country director of GAIN Bangladesh Dr Rudaba Khondker moderated the event.